Polygrumps Oneshots

Bubbles n' Cuddles

Ship: Ninjabang

Prompt: Brian gets into a rough fight with Rachel and turns to stout to ease his stress. Dan, however, is  not having any of that and major snuggles ensue

**Very very short and extremely sweet. Hope you like!**

     Brian collapsed on his sleek lounging chair, letting his tote fall from his grasp and land with a thump on the wooden floors. He cracked open the cold beer can in his fist, downing almost half of it in one huge gulp. The bitter liquid pooled in the man's stomach, a small groan following.

     The musician wasn't much of a drinker. In fact, he never drank alcohol. But that day was different. He and his wife Rachel had gotten into a rough patch, and everything came to a crashing halt that evening. They both said unpleasant things they didn't mean and stormed off in frustration. Luckily, their daughter Audrey was taking a nap so she didn't have to see the predicament her family was in. He took another swig, the image of his daughter possibly being taken away from him only adding to his anguish.

      The sound of a door opening and closing didn't even register in Brian's exhausted brain, nor did the sound of footsteps coming down the hall. A gentle knock at the door resounded, the keyboardist grunting in response.

     Entering the room was his friend and fellow band member, Dan. His dark cloud of curls encased his striking face as a smile sweet as honey appeared on his lips.

     "Hey, Bri. What's happenin-" He paused, eyes landing on the can in the other man's grasp. The smile disappeared, shock and concern replacing it.

     "Hey." Brian replied monotonously, not even looking at him. His eyes remained transfixed on the metal in his fist as Dan's tall frame slowly walked over, bending down to study the keyboardist's face.

     "Dude, are you okay? You look like shit..." Dan said, genuine unease lacing his tone as the other man chuckled scornfully.

     "Is it that obvious? I had no idea." The ninja's voice was devoid of its usual mirth, which worried Dan to no end. In a rare flash of anger, he reached over and smacked the can out of Brian's hand, the empty container flying across the room with a clatter and a clang.

     Dan leaned against the arm chair, hands grasping at the arms so hard his knuckles turned white. He looked steadily at Brian, not missing a beat before he asked clearly. "How long?"

     Brian lulled his silvery blues up to the man's chocolate orbs, greyed eyebrows furrowing. "Dan what do you-"

     "HOW long, Brian?" Dan inquired forcefully.

     The older man sighed, slouching into his seat, rubbing his face. "About a week. Maybe two, I don't know. I haven't been counting the damned days."

     Dan gripped Brian's shoulders, looking into the other man's tired eyes. "Brian. You can't go on like this, man. You're worrying the hell out of everyone. This needs to stop."

     The keyboardist shrugged off the singer's hands, looking at the wall as he crossed his arms. "You don't think I've tried? It seems like every day we get into these little fuckin skirmishes, each worse than the last."

     Dan helplessly looked at his friend, taking a deep breath before standing up straight, crossing over to the small couch at the back of the room. Curious, Brian followed the man with his eyes as he sat, arms spread as if expecting a hug.

     Brian raised an eyebrow. "Uh, Dan?"

     Dan waved him over. "Come on, man. Bring it in."

     The physicist's face wrinkled as his brows knitted together stubbornly, his eyes finding the ground. Brian had never been much of a huggy person, which helped a lot with his stage persona. But Lord knows the thing he needs the most right now is a damned hug or two.

     Sighing in defeat, he rose to his feet and quickly made his way towards the now simpering man, sitting beside him rigidly. Dan let out a bubbly chuckle before scooting closer to the older man, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and leaning them both back so Brian's head rested comfortably in the crook of Dan's neck. The younger singer rubbed the physicist's back comfortingly, humming the tune of "Hold The Line."   

     Brian found himself relaxing into the singer's strong arms, an overwhelming sense of comfort coming over him as he relaxed more into the cuddle. He felt all of the day's feelings rise to the surface, tears welling up and running down his cheek as he silently cried, letting all of his emotions go.  

     Some of his tears seeped into the fabric of Dan's Def Leppard shirt, but he paid no mind to them. In fact, he only held the man tighter, shushing him as the hand just kept rubbing in soothing circles on his back. 

     "We are going to fix this, Brian." Dan whispered, smiling down at his friend and wiping away a tear. "I promise."